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First F-35B Vertical Takeoff Test

An F-35B test aircraft completes its first-ever vertical takeoff (VTO) at NAS Patuxent River, Md. While not a capability used in combat, VTOs are required for repositioning of the STOVL in environments where a jet could not perform a short takeoff. In these cases, the jet, with a limited amount of fuel, would execute a VTO to travel a short distance.